CSX kicks off maintenance jamboree

CSX this week will begin an eight-day maintenance marathon designed to complete work that would normally take 18 weeks.

This accelerated timeline will be accomplished by temporarily re-routing traffic on the CSX mainline in portions of three southeastern states to give workers uninterrupted time for upgrades and repairs.

"Thanks to our dedicated employees, we're able to complete an incredible amount of work, while minimizing disruptions to our customers, to keep rail traffic moving safely and reliably," said Oscar Munoz, executive vice president and chief operating officer. "We call it a jamboree because of the strong teamwork and camaraderie that has developed over the years during this maintenance blitz."

The timing of the maintenance takes advantage of historically lighter rail volume during the Fourth of July holiday week. This year, the work will focus on key routes between Shelby, Ky., and Spartanburg S.C., and from Bostic to Monroe, N.C.

Nearly two-thirds of CSX's network-wide system production teams, as well as division engineering teams, signal teams and bridge forces, are involved in the jamboree. Crews will replace or install more than 64,000 crossties and 150,000 linear feet of rail, while smoothing and shaping the track roadbed and ballast over 40 track miles. Road crossings will be upgraded and CSX has coordinated temporary closings and motor vehicle traffic re-routing, where necessary, through local government agencies.

The jamboree is part of CSX's $2.3 billion capital spend for 2013, designed to help enhance the network in advance of increased demand for freight transportation services, estimated to more than double nationwide by 2040, according to the United States Department of Transportation.

"The maintenance jamboree is a prime example of the investment and effort we dedicate to ensuring that the nation's critical rail transportation network is ready to safely meet the country's growing needs while providing terrific benefits to our environment and our economy," Munoz said.